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Brian Cox, Jessica Hollandsworth, Matt Poff, Lindsey Thompson, and Michael Wade sign grant in aid papers, watched by coaches Bobby Clark, Alan Cantrell and athletic director Clay Moran.

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Five Buffs sign college grants

Last Wednesday was the first day of National Signing for high school athletes. Floyd County had one of its best fall signing days ever, as five seniors signed grant-in-aid agreements to continue their athletic careers in college.
About 70 people attended the signing ceremony in the new FCHS gym, including teammates, classmates, coaches, families and fans.
Athletic Director Clay Moran introduced the athletes and coaches recounted their high school accomplishments.
Lindsey Thompson signed a basketball grant with the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Her coach, Alan Cantrell, said “Lindsey is a great player.
“She has a career record of 54-2. Hopefully it will still be two losses at the end of this season.
“Lindsey has been injured, but it has been hard to keep her off the court.”
Assistant golf coach Bobby Clark praised the players who won the last two Group A state championships. “We could not have had a better group of kids.
“They are better kids than players. And they are pretty good players.”
“Some schools may produce only one college player. Some years they may not have any. To have this many in one year is remarkable.”
Two of the golfers, Jessica Hollandsworth and Matt Poff, have been with the program since they were in eighth grade. Hollandsworth signed with the University of Maryland.
One of the top girl golfers in the state, Hollandsworth’s decision came down to Virginia and Maryland. Virgina coach Kim Lewellen watched her at the Region C tournament.
Poff, a four year varsity player, signed with Tusculum. The Pioneers are a Division 2 college in Greenville, Tennessee.
He will be joined by FCHS teammate Brian Cox, who also signed with Tusculum. “Brian came in late, but once he decided this is what he wanted to do, he was a good player for us,” Clark said. “I get the feeling the sky is the limit for him.”
Michael Wade, who only played one season at Floyd, signed with Radford University. He had been an all-state player at Bassett before transferring to Floyd.
“He was a great addition for us,” Clark said. “We were fortunate to have his family move to Floyd.
“I think all of these athletes are getting what they deserve,” Clark noted. “I can’t wait to follow their college careers to see what they do.”
Both Cox and Poff were pleased that they will continue to be teammates. “It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Cox said.
Poff noted “it will be harder at the college level. But being there with someone you know will help.”